While this no-frills model is rated to only 302 degrees, it accurately registered temperature in 350-degree frying oil. While every reading was accurate, the lack of a calibration function might spell trouble down the road.

While this thermometer does offer a self-calibration button and produces speedy readings, its short probe and limited range (-58 to 300 degrees) makes taking temperatures for deep-frying and candy-making out of the question.

Its relatively poor showing in accuracy tests is a practical flaw; a calibration function would help. The short (2 3/4-inch) stem is a more serious drawback, as is the slow response time. The tiny buttons can be hard to manipulate.